The First Gentleman

A British historical drama; A story set in England in 1811 following the Napoleonic wars. The Prince Regent (the future King George IV of England) attempts to marry off his unruly daughter Princess Charlotte to Prince William of Orange who is heir apparent to the Dutch throne, but it is to no avail because she has other ideas. This attractively staged and lusciously costumed drama about star-crossed lovers is based on a play, The First Gentleman by Norman Ginsbury. Humorous touches raise it above the stuffiness of some of the busier scenes though it generally moves at a slow pace and the plotline drags in parts. Cecil Parker is not ideally cast as George, but he carries off humour, vain and excess effectively. Jean-Pierre Aumont as the German heads the cast and is charming, casting his romantic spell. Tom Gill as the boorish prince is outstanding. The third act culminates in stirring romance and startling tragedy.